from Stanger
Q – If you were the offensive coordinator for another team — how would you be thinking about attacking our defense?
Anything change if you are Raven’s OC Marty Mornhinweg?
stanger
I like this question. When I look at the Dolphins defense, I see weaknesses in the LB’s and also in the secondary. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking our boys (Maxwell, Lippett, McCain, Abdul-Quddus, Thomas and Rambo, and Alonso at LB), but I think if I’m going to look for weak spots, that’s it. Our defensive line has been solid, especially Suh, who has played great this season. I thought Mitchell was going to bring a spark, but he may be rusty, and Jordan Phillips has been awful quiet lately.
I would run Terrance West a lot, make Wake play the run, and try and tire him out, since he’s become an every down DE. I’d also try to exploit Lippett, and although Mike Wallace is a bit older, I always respected his abilities, and yes, even defended him while he was here. Mike Wallace is the type of receiver that could give Lippett trouble, because he can go right by him. Flacco can throw the deep ball, so I would take a few shots after running Terrance West, maybe a play action, or just take a shot deep.
I would also look to get Pitta involved in the passing game. Besides Alonso, I don’t trust any of our LB’s to cover Dennis Pitta, including Neville Hewitt or Jelani Jenkins. Those are the guys I would try to isolate. I would not be surprised to see Pitta have a lot of opportunities and touches against us Sunday. I hope our guys are up to the task! Besides Pitta and Wallace, we better watch out for RB Kenneth Dixon out of the backfield as a receiver. Again, our LB’s (except Alonso) really struggle there, so I would also prey on the LB’s trying to cover Dixon.
____________________________________________________
from Piggy
Q – Oinks to you Mike and my compliments on consistently offering us a weekly Ask Mike.
What a great win streak. Lot of clutch plays. Kiko Alonso returns an INT for a TD, Parker scores a 4th qtr TD, Drake returns a kickoff for a TD, Kaepernick is tackled to save a necessary winning TD.
Hey what’s with the absence of a game winning FG? Isn’t it odd to you that we have all these close wins fueled by clutch plays and no last second FG?
Do you think that is a reflection of this team? Does this team have a killer instinct that teams under coaches like Sparano did not have? And what am I supposed to do with all the pictures of hot dogs I have?
Trotters Forever
Sir Pigsgerald Oinkustus Bacon De La Chuleta
Thanks Piggy, it’s truly my pleasure to write for all of you here, you people are what make this blog happen, it’s just my little contribution to it.
It is odd Piggy, but I think you nailed it at the end. Do you really want to put the game on the hot dog man? Actually, it’s not just that, but I do think that’s part of it. I do think Gase is much more aggressive, and more sure of himself than either Sparano or Philbin. Gase really does impress me with his resolve. I think like the best coaches, once he got comfortable, learned the personnel here, found their strengths and weaknesses, he devised a gameplan, and is confident in implementing it with the guys he employs to implement them.
I think John Harbaugh is an excellent coach, but I feel extremely confident having Gase go up against him. I never felt like that with a Sparano or Philbin led team. I think Sparano had the team play for him, but he was never a great strategist, and although Philbin may have been an intellectual coach, I don’t think he ever had his players behind him, nor do I think he ever outcoached the opposition. I think the players believe in Gase, and I think they feed off his confidence and energy. I LOVE THAT!
So to specifically answer, I do believe that Gase doesn’t feel like he wants to put the game in the hands of an unproven PK like Franks, so he finds other options to get the score. Know your strengths!
____________________________________________________
from Tim
Q – So which player do you feel needs to step up down the stretch that can give us a jolt we haven’t really had yet? Thank you!
There are so many Tim, there really are. I think if Mario Williams gave us a taste of what he used to be back in 2014, just a hot stretch where he can consistently get pressure and get to the QB, that would be huge. Right now Andre Branch is getting the job done, but if Williams rotates in, he’s a bystander almost all the time. 9 tackles and 4 assists, and 1.5 sacks is what we got. Seems like all the bullshit about not being used properly in BUF was just that, bullshit.
If Jelani Jenkins could ever get really healthy, and give us the play he gave us his 2nd year. He was all over the place, making tackles, getting a few sacks, he made an impact! That would be HUGE, but I’m not counting on him or Mario to give us that.
More obvious ones though would be to get Branden Albert and Mike Pouncey fully healthy for the rest of the season. I think Tunsil will be OK, but those 2 guys worry me more. Out of all the things I would wish for, I would take those 2 guys playing out the season healthy (as possible), and being as effective as they were in the first 2 games we had them all assembled. We do that, we’re playoff ready, and can beat most teams out there.
If I can stretch your 1 player to 2, maybe 3, (3 if Tunsil really is more hurt than I think he is), then those guys getting healthy and playing well would be my choice. If it’s just 1, give me Branden Albert healthy. I think we can make do.
If you want more of an unsung player, one hasn’t really done much to this point in MIA, I would say Kenyan Drake. We’ve seen what he can do as a returner, but I’d love to see him used more as a receiver out of the backfield, and even getting more carries. Nothing like a home run threat getting touches, and he is a home run threat. I know some would like Grant, but I think Drake is more ready to handle it now, but I do think Grant also has a chance to grow here next year, not in height (LOL), but in preparedness and being ready to handle more opportunities.
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from Prof Lou
Q – are we 7-5 and tied w/BUF after this game; do they find a way to upset OAK? Do we stay ahead of BUF in the East or do they catch us and finish 2nd?
No way, we are 8-4, because we’re going to beat those birds! I respect the hell out of Harbaugh, but Gase and the Dolphins are up to the task, and the steamroller keeps rolling! Payback is a bitch, and it’s our turn to knock the ravens out of playoff contention. In 2014, we were in a very similar situation record wise, we were 7-5, and playing the Ravens to stay alive for playoff contention. That game was awful, and in typical Philbin led Dolphins teams, we froze in December, despite hosting the Ravens in MIA. We actually started that game OK, Piggy, Brian and Ken and I all went to Slatterys to watch this one. We were up 10-0 after the 1st QTR. Then the Ravens woke up and realized they were playing the December Dolphins, and they went on to outscore us 28-3 the rest of the way.
This time it’s going to be different. A good game, relatively close, although we cover the spread, which is about 3 points at last look. I have us winning 23-17, and since every prediction I’ve made has been money (NOT!!!), I figure it to be something like that. It’s going to be up for grabs in the 4th, as just about every game we’ve won during this streak has, save for the Pittsburgh game.
Oakland may very will win out. They are getting excellent play from so many players, especially Derek Carr on offense, and that defense is filled with playmakers. They are allowing a lot of points, but I think they are going to be a great defense at some point. That O-line is excellent, and not one 1st RD pick to be found. LT Donald Penn, cast off from the Bucs, LG Kelechi Osemele (Ancient Warrior), C Rodney Hudson, RG Gabe Jackson (yeah D!), and RT Austin Howard.
Donald Penn (UNDRAFTED), Kelechi Osemele (2nd RD), Rodney Hudson (2nd RD), Gabe Jackson (3rd RD), and Austin Howard (UNDRAFTED). Pretty impressive, and unbelievable that Howard, an undrafted free agent is the only NFL tackle NOT to allow a sack this season. Oakland is going to troll over the Bills, they’re the better team. You have to want the Raiders to win anyway, that will essentially knock the Bills out.
____________________________________________________
from GDP
Q – Hey Axe Mike E,
In regards to my boy Ryan Tannehill & a certain President elect of the good ol USA, namely one Donald J. Trump, trump, trump….
Do ya’s think many FU’ers will be offended or mad when I burst back onto our blog with a Big Fat, I TOLD YOU SO?!?!?!
Go Tanny & Go Trump
signed, Gloating Getterdone
Go Phins!
GDP!! Great to hear from you man! We all miss ya man, that’s the truth.
To answer, I think everyone will be really happy to see, whether you’re gloating, floating, or boating. Just get yer ass back on the blog, and you’ll see for yerself! Hope all is well with your home and family after the storm.
You know that about half the people are happy Trump won, and you know just about everyone is happy Tannehill is playing well. 🙂
I’m finding it somewhat funny how Trump is all of a sudden getting soft an many of the hard stances he took. He’s becoming a Democrat right before our very eyes. lol
Anyways, I hope to see you on the blog in short order, your friends will be pleased to see you back on!
Best wishes brother! Sorry I didn’t get to meet you at the Fest.
Next year man, I’m gonna hold you to that!
___________________________________________________
Finsmob Unleashed 
Morning Update
DOLPHINS-RAVENS
Piggy 24-21 MIA
B’man 38-13 BAL
MikeE 23-17 MIA
Vinnie 23-14 MIA
Howie 22-20 MIA
Wyo 17-10 MIA
Stang 14-7 MIA
Rock 24-17 BAL
FINS RULE!
Great job MikeE! I wanted to add my thanks for you continuously contributing to this site that we all love so much!
I refreshed 12 times and still no OHOTW, many praises for your efforts Mike but I’m not gonna lie about being bummed out. (son was thinking Carol King this week)
Honestly Mike thanks so much.
I was actually going to look for an OHOTW photo to put in when I got home last night, but I saw the question from GDP, and then I answered it, and by that time it’s too late baby, it’s too late, though I really did try to make it.
Nice job Mike E
Howie
Thanks again for keeping the scores! We all really appreciate that you do that for us brother!
“Our defensive line has been solid, especially Suh, who has played great this season.”
Don’t tell this to FFR 🙂
Mike E great job!
But you forgot one part of our defense!
Run straight at Wake!
Clear the safety with Wallace and cross Smith and Pitta about 10 yards!
I did say run at Wake 🙂
“I would run Terrance West a lot, make Wake play the run, and try and tire him out, since he’s become an every down DE.”
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/804333889518968832
This is pretty interesting.
It is like a playoff game….for both teams.
Unfortunately its not in NYC this weekend
Vinnie
That is interesting. I think I’m missing something though, How is it 115 swing points, and I don’t get how they get the 34 and 29. How so they derive those numbers?
For Miami and Baltimore, it’s the difference between the middle and right column +/- their current chance % compared to their opponent. All other teams are just the difference between the two columns.
So MIA is (53-20) + 1 = 34
Balt is (48-18) – 1 = 29
Thanks Vinnie!
Good job Mike!
Drake was more the answer I was looking for and that’s who I was thinking of. I’d like to see him get a few more touches on offense both rushing and receiving. The OL guys are the staple of what we do on offense and they have proven when they’re out there we’re a different team. Drake has had limited touches on offense so I think he’s a guy who could give us another jolt when Ajayi needs a break. I thought of Grant too but I agree that next year is probably when he gets more touches on offense. I think the coaches are bringing him along slowly.
As for Williams, not sure what his deal is. He wasn’t used properly in BUF because he’s not an OLB, but I wonder if he’s lost a step and that’s what we’re seeing or not seeing from him at DE. I expected more from him. It would be great to see him step up down the stretch but I’m not confident that will happen and I agree with you about Jenkins as well.
I’m wondering if Williams is just collecting paychecks at this point, and just doesn’t have his heart in it anymore.
That’s possible too. He won’t be here next year with this level of play though.
Happy Birthday to our favorite pig and to Howie.
You guys are awesome, have a great day.
Happy Birthday Piggy and Howie!
Happy, Happy to Pig and Howie.
Must be a great day to be born on.
Nicely Mike E. And agree that the way to go after us is too run on us. Part of that is that our D has not exactly been a wall against RBs but the other that it tires them out, particularly the D-Line.
They have played some good ball this year, but not so much in the 4th Q when the possession time is with the other team…..you can almost feel the difference.
Happy Birthday Piggy and Howie! Enjoy your day.
Another thing that could help us down the stretch is starting off games faster like not allowing an early TD and scoring ourselves. It seems to take us at least a quarter to get going.
Tim
Are you still undefeated in FF?
No 10-2 but I clinched the #1 seed two weeks ago. My team is starting to concern me though. My players are very erratic even though I’m still scoring okay. But I think I’m vulnerable in the playoffs.
I won a big game last week, and this week I face the 1st place team, who’s been very good, and also a little lucky. He’s scored the most, but the teams he’s faced have score pretty poorly against him. He’s outscored me for the season by 57 points, but teams have scored 209 points less against him than against me. That’s the crazy thing about FF. I sued to be in a league where the top 6 scores won, and the bottom 6 lost. I think there’s some merit to that structure.
I’m the 3rd highest scorer and although my opponents didn’t shit the bed when they played me, they didn’t have great scores. I’ve been very consistent in scoring so to beat me you have to score quite a bit. That said my PA are either the lowest or 2nd or something like that. But that’s what happens when you outscore the opponent consistently.
It balances out because the teams who have struggled have not scored consistently. They might have had 2-3 real good scoring games, 2-3 bad games and a few solid games. I’m solid to real good every week. I have not had a bad scoring game all year. If that happens to me in the playoffs I’m going to be bummed. 6 teams make the playoffs, the #1 and 2 seeds don’t play the first week so I get a bye week to rest my guys. LOL
I’m in 1st place in my keeper league, but I’ve been inconstant in that league, and a little lucky to hit teams on bad weeks. In the money league, I’m in 3rd place, but the records are kind of odd, top team is 11-1, then 2nd is 9-3, and I’m in 3rd at 7-5. I’ve scored pretty well, but I have the highest points scored against my team in the top 5 by a big margin. I have the 4th highest points score, and like I said, only 60, points off the top scorer, 25 from 2nd place
I feel a little bit old today
50?
104
The good news is you are only a little bit old, which isn’t really old at all!
If GDP is reading this, he is welcome
in fact encouraged to celebrate his Tannehill loyalty
and I’m glad he was right about him
….but Trump…yuk
Tim
I think Piggy has quite a while before the Five-O
it gets closer and closer
not looking forward to it
You are already by far the oldest on the board……in Pig years at least.
Well I’m 51 so I forgot how old Piggy is. LOL
43
Tim
I’m 53, so I forgot. Shit, I forgot what I forgot!
Nice job Mike.
And happy b-day to piggy and howie. I hope you both have a good one.
Mike, there is definitely a luck of the draw in FF. A few years ago my friend was the highest scorer but always drew his opponents best game and finished like 6-7 so he quit the league for a couple of years. LOL
LOL! That’s a little extreme, no? 🙂
He’s super competitive and a sore loser. Every time the Rangers lose it was because of officiating. LOL
Mike,
we do need to pay them back for the 2014 game. I hate philbin.
Yeah, I feel bad saying it, but I hated him too. Our teams were spineless with him as HC.
We’ve been bad but we’ve had high stakes at miami before 🙂
Omar Kelly @OmarKelly 54m54 minutes ago
Dolphins’ Adam Gase on playing in December….He knows this is “the first time” Miami’s had high stakes
LOL
How old is Adam Gase…..25
Yeah, misspeak for sure right there.
parker may be out for the ravens game.
Barry Jackson ✔ @flasportsbuzz
Per source, Dolphins are promoting Rashawn Scott from practice squad. Parker ailing.
I think its basically a done deal that he is out
We get to see what Carrooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
(blowing in a conch)
Carroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
has in him
Your daily reminder that Saban is really close to Satan
HBD to Piggy and Howie.
It’s depressing me hearing you guys talk how ‘old’ you are and you’re all younger than I am. 😢
As for FF, I’m suspicious you guys are letting me win.
No way, you’re just doing well. Don’t be modest!
Yep
Great work Mike, I especially enjoyed the question that involved self scouting, and I won’t be a bit surprised to see them attack our D exactly like you describe.
I also agree with your answer to the lack of game winning field goals during the streak, but I think that’s only the 2nd best answer, with the best being: We never had an opportunity for that.
The closest opportunity there was happened vs. the Rams and it only would’ve sent us to overtime. To underline your point however, Gase was quoted as saying that was going to be an INT or a TD on that drive. He chose to go for the win vs. the OT which is considered conventional wisdom on the road, especially after a 2 week road trip and 2 tough games, but it’s also the more aggressive choice.
Do you think Philbin goes for the TD or settles for the FG? I think he would have done the latter. 😉
well, the real question is “Does Philbin call a pass play when they’re already in field goal range or run to set up the field goal”?, and I actually think he’d call a pass play.
(all of this discussion is with full admission HC’s don’t usually call the plays of course)
a lot of coaches would have been thinking set up the FG in that Rams game
its just odd – lot of close games
but a lot of big plays for TD
The Drake return, the Alonso int, that Rams drive and then last week vs the 49ers, not just the tackle at the end, but the fact that they needed a TD to win it based on what we did prior to that
Yes – we did not have the chance
but in the NFL so many games are won on last minute FGs
why not us
I think its a good thing
different people stepping up to score
different units: defense, special teams, offense
I don’t know that says something to be about the underlying mentality of the team
totally piggy, but the best answer to my mind is still: There wasn’t an opportunity to win a game on a kick during that streak. I think Gase is a gutsy and aggressive coach, I just don’t think that particular bit of trivia is evidence to that fact.
Armando Salguero @ArmandoSalguero 12m12 minutes ago
Vance Joseph makes it clear Xavien Howard not playing this week. “Not ready yet.” Maybe week or two away.
boooooooooooooooooooooooo
Thanks Jahn – How have you been? Still crazy busy?
Definitely, but less so if that makes any sense. More like 5 hour work weeks these days instead of 70+ hour work weeks.
5 sound pretty good!
5 hours???
its fits and starts, first you do a mad blitz brewing and filling the fermenters, than a couple weeks later you do a mad blitz of packaging all that beer. Rinse and repeat…
LOL @ Herd….50…damn zero disappeared! 🙂
Dolphins OC Clyde Christensen said the Ravens are the ninth top-5 run defense they’ve faced this season. He said he’s not sure how that happened?
http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0596016979513448041-4
That’s easy!
After a dose of Ajayi they aren’t in the top 5 anymore! 🙂
^That’s a smart observation right there! It’s still pretty amazing though that there are NINE top 5 defense matchups in any teams 16 game schedule! Nutty!
Adam Beasley @AdamHBeasley 43s44 seconds ago
Christensen said “we have to have a plan in place in case [Parker] doesn’t play.” It would be “at the last hour” if he does.
Piggy, we have playmakers on this team in all phases now so that’s why we’ve won 6 in a row. Many games are decided by a few big plays. In the past we didn’t make many and in a lot of games none at all. That has changed.
Jahn
I figured you either left off a 6, 5, 4 or a zero. 🙂
Nobody ever loves 3, 2 or 1. 😛 (toothless)
LOL- The new graphics make it a little less toothless, don’t you think? 😀
Hell if I know. I’m blind as a bat and in denial that I need glasses. You probably see my type all the time in your line of work. 44 and the world is using smaller font then it used to you…
LOL @ Jahn, I figured that was a typo.
Jahn — if your guys ever bitch about the hours you might want to show them this documentary about making sake at a hundreds year old brewer in Japan. They are like monks.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/thebirthofsake/
Wow, I’ll have to check it out sometime. I am in there 7 days week, but nobody else on my crew works OT unless they want it for the most part. The pay ain’t great, but I try to be accomodating with the schedule and the beer.
They are doing just what you do, just different beverage and it is their whole entire life for six months. Guessing since it is grain fermentation….you might even be interested in what they came up with in the process over the centuries.
Armando Salguero @ArmandoSalguero 9m9 minutes ago
Linebacker Jelani Jenkins will not be practicing today.
Tim Knight says:
December 1, 2016 at 11:57 am (Edit)
LOL @ Jahn, I figured that was a typo.
For his sake I was hoping it wasn’t. 😉
If I had that much free time I’d probably just end up causing trouble on the blog LOL…idle hands and all….:-)
His person things helmets don’t help prevent concussions
Interesting stuff
I can’t watch it, but there’s some evidence of this when you compare American football to rugby/irish football/australian rules….better helmets encourage bigger head to head collisions….or so I’ve heard.
Yeah
she makes an argument that helmets do nothing to stop the movement of the brain
not so much an argument that helmets make it worse
but there is another point people make (the point you make)
that basically is that helmets are encouraging people to use their heads like a battering ram
I’m curious to know, however, if the helmets actually may make the movement of the brain worse – like there is more brain rattling inside of a helmet than without a helmet
….
I mean that is what people say happens to the brain inside of the skull
does the extra layer make it worse?
(Piggy shrugs)
way past my pay grade
Adam Beasley @AdamHBeasley 5m5 minutes ago
Parker, Pouncey and Jenkins look like the no-goes today in practice.
Jenkins is injured again. We need LB help next draft in a big way.
if he was healthy that statement would be accurate
I really hope Parker can play. Even if it’s splitting snaps with Carroo.
I’m a big Parker fan/supporter
but I really think we can afford to miss him bc of our depth at the position
and it may give a chance for some of the other guys to shine
Landry Is gonna take a fight to the Ravens
and they got it coming IMO
Awwwww they remembered 🙂
Thanks guys im 52 but still get carded when I buy my beer
at dollar general
That’s bc they are trying to help you remember your name
LOL
I like your cheerleader pics much more WY
I’m around younger people all the time, so I only come here so I can feel young again. That, and to discuss the Mets.
there does seem to be a little spring in your typing fingers when you are here
it may be placebo, but I am sure I type faster when OD is blogging
If you guys are planning on having a slattery’s get together or Metlife takeover, I’m more than likely out. Too much stuff is taking away my weekends this month.
ot metlife takeover for me
but I’m still open to meeting people at slaterys
but I suspect no one will be up for it in December
the holidays make it impossible and its a long trip for most people (other than me)
Joseph: “Dion Jordan should be a player for us. He is gifted. You can see how explosive and how big he is. Going forward I’m excited about him.”
Laughing a bit at the “how big” but you figure Joseph wouldn’t be putting that out if Jordan was looking way out of shape in practice.
LOL @ SB!
Saw my “Cespedes!!!” the other day?
I think so. Time is blurring together though.
Here’s a question. Do we see what we’ve seen from Tannehill these past few games w/o Adam Gase being here?
No because the prior coaches didn’t have his back or let him open his game. Gase accommodated him with what a few of us have been saying the last few years, use his strengths. By the way his strong arm is one of them. 😉
No
But here is a follow up
Who cares why?
The only thing I care about is it is happening
I’m pretty sure Tannehill’s would really suck if Rich Kotite was his coach
and I’m sure he would look great if Bill Walsh was his coach
Pig — at the same time the more you say it was cause of Gase the more we have our HC of the future. Maybe it is just luck, but the only constant on all the pieces in this surge is him.
He might have progressed, but not so much without Gase game-planning around his strengths. And who can know how much it is from the individual coaching standpoint, but Gase came in with the QB-whisperer label after all. So not Gase’s first rodeo on that one.
Tannehill has always had the talent. He’s just never had the consistency. Gase has provided that. I don’t care about gaudy stats from the QB. Just get wins and championships.
Agreed, efficiency is more important.
SB
I think this weeks game against the Ravens will likely determine whether there is a Slattery’s Fest upcoming. If we win, it will probably happen, if not . . . .
Gase also stays committed to the run game and we don’t line in fucking shotgun every play. Those were simple remedies any coach could have figured out. Also listening to your QB is something that makes sense. LOL
I also feel Christensen has played a role in helping the entire offense develop a new identity.
And what do Christensen and Gase have in common?…..both were QB coaches for Peyton. Gumby not have come here, but seems his coaching tree might have.
Both were OCs with him as well.
Guess Peyton taught them well.
So, are you guys saying you think it’s the overall change in the offensive philosophy that’s made the difference; the fact Tannehill is able to move around more, the fact that he’s able to change the play at the line, the fact that he’s got a running game now?
Because here’s a follow-up question. Without Gase talking in his helmet every play does he take the shot down the sideline for the td to Williams? Does he take the shot to Stills last week for the td? Does he take the shot down the middle of the field to Parker?
Gase knows exactly what he’s looking for when they line up on offense and he tells Tannehill what he wants to see and where to go with the ball. When he threw to Williams for the td Gase said they were waiting to see that matchup and when they did they took the shot. So, does Tannehill see it without Gase “whispering” in his ear?
Your follow up question is impossible for any of us to answer because we don’t hear their communication. Gase has definitely encouraged Ryan to be more aggressive and take some shots down the field. Ryan still has to make the throws regardless of what is called though.
Ian Rapoport @RapSheet 7m7 minutes ago
#Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski thought he would return quickly. Instead, out several weeks. Team has already used its IR/designated to return
Lou
There’s no possible way we can know the answer, but the headsets do cut off before the ball is snapped, so it’s not like Gase is yelling to Ryan “THROW TO STILLS, HE’S WIDE OPEN!!!”
LOL
Regardless of what Gase is saying in Ryans ear, he still has to be able to physically pull it off and he’s doing it. Recognize game.
Exactly!
Lou
I think the offense is much different by design
and I think they even changed it after the first month of the season to highlight Tannehill’s strengths
but I’m not sure a HC can really cause a QB to recognize a receiver who is open
It might not just be Gase
it might be Tannehill is maturing
I look at it like this. He had played something like 16 games at QB in college. A lot of NFL QBs have played 3 or 4 yrs in college. Then they may sit a year or two or 3. Huge difference to me. These years since he was drafted have been kind of like catching up to where he should have been.
agreed
his learning curve was much difference than most people
but I was getting scared starting last season…I was thinking…he’s never going to get better
A lot of it is still pure mental though. He is the streakiest really good to really bad QB we have ever had. And that is not play to play but for real long stretches. And seems Gase has him in the right place.
“OKAY NOW, STILLS I WANT YOU TO DROP THIS ONE IN THE MOST EMBARSSING WAY”
(Gase whispers to Vance Joseph)
This one is going to give us some laughs in the film room
“So, does Tannehill see it without Gase “whispering” in his ear?”
Lou — am sure Gase tells Tanny what to look for as their D sets up, but he has only seconds to do so. Seems far more important is that he has been whispering in Tanny’s head all week and all season. “See this, think that”…..you get the idea.
And whatever combo of Gase and Tanny, you don’t see him locking on receivers like before. My guess is that was cause the play was scripted. And now Tanny even has more freedom to change the play at the line.
We’ve allowed him to step up into more deep throws as well. Balancing under center and shotgun along with a run game threat has helped that quite a bit. When we lined up in shotgun 90% of the time defenses basically just pinned their ears back and rushed the play. Run or pass the play was starting from deep in the backfield. Now defenses have to be ready for so much more.
Adam Beasley @AdamHBeasley 9s10 seconds ago
Jakeem Grant is catching punts after practice.
Better than
Adam Beasley @AdamBeasley 9s10 seconds ago
Jakeem Grant is muffing punts after practice
Happy Birthday Piggy and Howie !!
What goes into the game plan is set during the week in practice. Then you have to make some adjustments when teams throw in some wrinkles. But for the most part there isn’t a whole lot of trickery. It comes down to execution. So Tannehill already knows what he’s looking for going in. But how is the protection, are we running the ball well, are the receivers running their routes well? Then it comes down to how well RT is playing. If all those other things are working it’s likely RT will play well.
I think the pats might lose a couple down the stretch without gronk. I heard he’ll be back for the superbowl if the pats make it that far.
Yeah I just heard he’s expected to miss 8 weeks.
That’s also if all goes well. Back surgery can be a tricky thing.
James Walker @JamesWalkerNFL 10m10 minutes ago
#Dolphins, Laremy Tunsil (shoulder) says he’s good to go vs. #Ravens
Nice!
Fly away to the Dolphins vs. the Jets in MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on December 17th! We’re awarding one lucky #Fordistas subscriber airfare, hotel and tickets to this amazing Dolphins away game.
https://wearefordistas.com/sign-up/?utm_content=buffer5f176&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer
https://youtu.be/tWyyQI6QkpM
Check this out Tim
Awesome! The great band that gets flack from the mainstream. Ghey! LOL
Anyone interested in Dolphins vs Jets tix? $125 per ticket, but he did say negotiable.
Let me know if anyone wants to go
How about a dollar?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBcPx8RvHR8
Now we know why Stanger likes him some Punters! 😉
He holds the ball of a guy named after hot dogs
https://twitter.com/theflyingpig44/status/804436608573378560
That’s hilarious!! Do you think he meant it to read that way?
No way you do that on accident!
LOL, we’re so immature. 🙂
Darr is a pretty funny guy!
Gotta love a guy who is funny!
I’m sure you’ve all been on pins and needles over this so just want to let you know
I just found my coffee mug in the dishwasher. Took no chances. Washed it myself and it’s on my desk. Lol
Mike, where are the seats? My daughter is going to that game.
I should have said that she hasn’t got tickets yet she figures let them keep losing and the price keeps going down
Sec 230A, Row 2 – Verizon corner
https://twitter.com/benestes/status/804449563520024576
https://twitter.com/MDCheer/status/804449593345785856
Evening Update
DOLPHINS-RAVENS
Piggy 24-21 MIA
B’man 38-13 BAL
MikeE 23-17 MIA
Vinnie 23-14 MIA
Howie 22-20 MIA
Wyo 17-10 MIA
Stang 14-7 MIA
Rock 24-17 BAL
FINS RULE!
17 – 13 balt
MikeE
Its a pleasure taking scores each week 🙂
but it seems I’m slowly going out of business.
People are starting to think if they pick a score we will lose
What a bunch of weirdos 😉
LMAO!!
Haha! I haven’t picked one since the Tennessee game, so I’m rolling with that mojo!!!!
20: R1P20 LB ZACH CUNNINGHAM VANDERBILT
52: R2P20 C ETHAN POCIC LSU
98: R3P34 EDGE DAESHON HALL TEXAS A&M
162: R5P20 CB CHANNING STRIBLING MICHIGAN
176: R5P34 G JESSAMEN DUNKER TENNESSEE STATE
199: R6P20 WR DAMORE’EA STRINGFELLOW OLE MISS
238: R7P20 WR JOSH REYNOLDS TEXAS A&M
Had a chance to grab the QB from Pitt in the 5th but it was a little high for what i wanted to do, and so i got more depth at OL, im tempted though because that guys is pretty impressive in some of the games i have watched of his, and we have good luck with Pitt QB’s 🙂
That look exactly like my first 3! 🙂
Mike E. says:
December 1, 2016 at 2:28 pm
Better than
Adam Beasley @AdamBeasley 9s10 seconds ago
Jakeem Grant is muffing punts after practice
—————————————–
And much better than…..
Adam Beasley @AdamBeasley 9s10 seconds ago
Jakeem Grant is punting muffs after practice
LMFAO!
🙂
Son
Just checked the seating chart, they kinda suck. 2nd highest tier of the stadium, in the end zone. Not good at all. I’m going to pass on them for sure.
There are upper level seats for twenty bucks and second level below 100, lower end zone 60
These guys have season tickets, but they can’t make this game. They’re good people, but the $125 is way steep.
This is totally fucked up!
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000749551/article/exjets-rb-joe-mcknight-killed-in-apparent-road-rage-incident
MIKE E; I WANT TO ECHO all the nice comments directed your way for a truly outstanding series of “Ask Mike” columns. They just get better & Better!! We all really appreciate your efforts.
——————
NOW HERE’s a question I’d like to “Ask Mike” for next week’s column. Here goes.
“What is the number one area we must improve on if we are to find success in the playoffs this season?”
—————–
Happy Birthday, Piggy and Howie! May your “significant others” have something nice for you both!
HOWIE —- HOWIE —- HOWIE!!
19-17 MIA FRANKS’ fourth Field Goal is the winner!!
Weather forecast for Baltimore on Sunday: Hi 49, Lo 40 10% chance of rain.
Thanks OD! I’ll try to remember to answer that next week.
Gotta reduce costly penalties that’s for sure.
Well I would like to thank all my peers once again; it was a nice day…
Worked a few hours in the morning then took a nice long nap, just got back from dinner with my girls and now I think I will lay in the bed and watch TV
So basically I did nothing today 🙂
And Happy Birthday to you also
Pigsgerald my friend
Any day that involves a nap is good day.
Happy birthday to Piggy and Howie
SON: Those damn penalties are for sure going to cost us a game when we can least afford it in December. But I’m looking at LINEBACKER PLAY getting better in the off weather games this month. The Ravens, Jets and Bills are going to try to run on us, FOR SURE! We just CAN’T let that happen!! Tyrod Taylor, in particular, is going to try to reprise Kaepernick’s big gainers Dec. 24 in what likely will be a very chilly Buffalo. Our ability to stop Taylor’s running could be the key factor in that game.
GOOD NEWS FROM FAU FOOTBALL: For the second consecutive year, center Dillon Debour has been named to the all-conference first team AND to the all-conference ACADEMIC FIRST TEAM!! DILLON, from nearby Tarpon Springs, is preparing for the NFL draft AND continuing his pursuit of a Master’s Degree. He is, in my opinion, the top center in Conference USA football. He’d make a nice late round selection by the Miami Dolphins!
The Ravens have the 6th worst (#27) passing Defense in the NFL this year… that is their Achilles heel, while their MACHINE is their #1 rushing Defense.
The Ravens have the 5th worst rushing attack (#28) in the NFL this year. Flacco’s going to throw and we have to stop it.
GAMEPLAN
Gotta get ahead EARLY (passing), do NOT EVER abandon the run (control the clock), play sound Defense while getting after Joe Flacco with our pass-rush, JAM Mike Wallace and Steve Smith (that’s why we have sizable CBs to begin with), and WIN field position (3rd phase of the game: special teams punting and punt returning).
Winnable game on the road against a fellow AFC playoff contender (TIGHT matchup) in what is our ‘game of the year’ to date (who said that a month ago? *raises hand*!).
If we can beat the Stealers* and Bills, we can beat the Ravens. Laremy Tunsil is good to go (with shoulder harness) and Branden Albert is 50-50 to start on Sunday (I say he starts). DeVante is likely out (back), so I expect Jarvis and Stills to ROCK on Sunday with a lil’ bit of EVERYBODY sprinkled in.
Phins 24, Ravens 20
HAPPY B-DAY, OCALA! This is my first score prediction of the year, in honor of your birthday!
Mike E. says:
December 1, 2016 at 6:58 pm
These guys have season tickets, but they can’t make this game. They’re good people, but the $125 is way steep.
wow, kind of asking a lot. i mean tickets to the game plus 125. getting harder and harder to get some one to take your jets tickets
And HAPPY B-DAY to Jordi as well! We go way back to Omar’s blog, bud! Hope all is well with ya and that we can heal wounds.
Hey M! I agree with basically everything you laid out there, but you forgot Carroooooooo! 🙂
I HEAR that! Carroo is just beginning to scratch the surface… he’s going to be a good player for us for many moons to come. Our WR corps is STACKED!
Yeah, he’s going to be a good player. Hey, sometimes guys rise to the occasion, and take advantage of the opportunity. I hope that happens.
LOL Rob – That’s funny
There he is. The one and only M13
Good to see you, I miss you
My BRO!!! Miss ya too, man! I’ll try to come through here more often as the healing continues. I hope all is well with you and the Mrs!
What a season for our Phins thus far! Hey, this Sunday is going to be NICE!
Do you two want to be alone?
‘play sound Defense’
then that would be a first for the year
“Beep-beep, Ritchie”!!! LOL
FFR, you still make me laugh! Good to read ya, sir!
M
When did you say that remake of “It’ was due out?
Currently projected for September, 2017. CAN’T WAIT!!!